The winter season is filled with enthusiasm and excitement because of holidays, delicious food, and pleasant afternoons, but it is also the off-season for your air conditioning unit. One of the most common questions in people’s minds, once the scorching heat and discomfort of summers get over, is – Should I pack my AC for the winter?
Theoretically, it is not essential to cover your AC during winter or for that matter, any other season as most of the units are manufactured to endure severe climatic conditions and extreme fluctuating temperatures. Air Conditioners are typically built with quality materials and tested to ensure that, they can withstand extreme weather.
The AC compressor is usually positioned under the roof/shed so, to some extent, it remains protected. Most top brands like Daikin, Samsung, Panasonic, Godrej, Hitachi, Toshiba, etc., use high-quality weather-resistant components like aluminum, stainless steel, and copper in manufacturing their units hence reducing weather-related wear and tear to a minimum, if you however have a non-brand AC, you may need to check the quality of the exterior unit. Hence your location, geography, and also placement of your A/C condenser are more likely to influence whether or not you should cover the unit during wintertime.
The opinion on whether to cover your AC or not is divided so we had a look at the pros and cons.
Why you SHOULD cover your aircon in the winter?
- Protection from the dust, debris and dried leaves as they can get wedged inside the condenser. This can lead to a major issue and expensive repair, as it will inhibit the AC’s compressor’s ability to release the required heat to function properly.
- It keeps your aircon coils unsoiled and clean, so it may run a little more effectively when you use it again.
- During winters, dew drops, especially in the morning, may enter your AC Compressor and rest on the coil, in extreme cold, these can freeze which could be damaging for the unit.
Why you SHOULD NOT cover your aircon during winter?
- This can trap the moisture into your unit, which can lead to rust and decomposition due to the high humidity atmosphere. This moisture can even affect the electrical wiring and connections.
- The development of mold and mildew is another reason one should not cover their aircon unit, as it blocks the airflow. The mold also reduces the efficiency of the AC unit. Proper ventilation is a must.
- Rodents, lizards, and other animals can seek shelter between the unit and the cover during this time of the season, as they find the space very cozy and comfortable. They may chew the electrical wires and uninsulated freon lines.
Many manufacturers don’t suggest covering your A/C unit as they are built in a way to survive all kinds of environments and don’t need coverage. They do however recommend that you get your AC serviced regularly. If you are looking to get your AC serviced, why not raise a service request on the OneDios App? You can raise a service request in a few clicks without having to call multiple people or search for phone numbers.
OneDios is a one-stop-shop for all your service, complaints, and repair requests. OneDios keeps a record of your past service and part replacement history. Download the OneDios app and upload the details of your AC today. OneDios will help keep track of all your previous services and you can schedule the next maintenance of your AC in advance. You can also buy an extended warranty and AMC’s for all AC brands such as Dalkin etc.